The 2017 season of Formula One has just received a big push with the unveiling of Williams' FW40 car. Computer-generated images of the vehicle reveal the impact of the new regulations on the design of Formula One machines. Now, the team wants to resurrect itself from its very disappointing 2016 constructor standings with the help of the FW40.
The Mercedes-powered FW40 celebrates the team's four decades in the single-seat auto racing tournament. Williams Martini Racing aims to improve its F1 ranking from the dismal fifth position last season. The 1997 Constructors champion was third in 2015. The FW40 will be Williams' another chance to regain its motorsports glory, which peaked during the 80s and 90s.
The Williams FW40 will have its official launch on February 25. A tech analysis by Motorsport.com highlights the hallmarks of the new regulations including the presence of deltoid shaping on the front wing, wider front, and rear wings, and increased car track to accommodate larger Pirelli tires.
F1 2017 is implementing new rule changes in the tournament with more focus on bodywork and tires. The tires' rear width has been expanded from 325mm to 405mm while the front width has been widened from 245mm to 305mm. The front wing span is also increased from 1650mm to 1800mm. These amendments have a single goal - to make the Formula One cars faster and physically harder to drive.
The FW40's more aggressive look features an additional slot on the upper flap, slender nose design, three vortex generators on the side pod's upper leading edge, and enlarged airbox. Williams opted for an engine cover that extrudes right the way back to the rear wing support pylon.
The render lacks information on the FW40's minor details. F1 fans will have first the glimpse of the actual vehicle when it rolls out in Barcelona for the first pre-season test. There is a possibility that some of the design considerations will be revised during testing.
The video below offers a first look on Williams' F1 FW40 car. Share your thoughts on the FW40's design in the comment section.
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